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Working to preserve a language in Nepal
The Newar people have lived in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and surrounding areas for centuries. But the Newar language – also called Nepalbhasa – was banned, from 1846 until 1951. People caught using the language were put in prison or expelled. Use of the language declined through the 20th century, and some experts believe that it could disappear in the next 30 or so years. That’s why a group in Kathmandu is working to preserve the historic calligraphy of the Newars. Zinara Rathnayake has the story for us today.